Slides

ANG Elections

  • National Campaigns & Elections

    • Frequent and fair elections are crucial to democracy.

    • Elections ensure government accountability and public involvement.

    • The U.S. electorate expanded with amendments: 15th, 19th, and 26th.

  • Elections and Accountability

    • Elections hold policymakers accountable for public opinion and actions.

    • Myths, such as voter fraud, are debunked by research showing negligible cases.

  • Do Campaigns Matter?

    • Campaign effects are marginal; fundamentals like the economy and partisanship matter more.

    • Campaigns help democracy by informing voters about policy.

  • 2024 Presidential Election

    • Economic indicators suggest close competition.

    • Trump and Harris are the main contenders, with differing approval and economic perceptions.

Media

  • Role of Media in a Democracy

    • Acts as a watchdog and holds officials accountable.

    • Media can set public agendas through agenda-setting, priming, and framing.

  • History of Media & Politics

    • 19th-century newspapers were party-run.

    • 20th century saw objective journalism and rise of television.

    • Modern news prioritizes sensationalism for ratings.

  • Media Diets & Polarization

    • Misinformation arises from partisan media and cognitive biases.

    • Trust varies by ideology; polarized audiences consume selectively.

  • Media Effects on Public Opinion

    • Agenda-setting and framing influence public perception.

    • Social media amplifies misinformation and echo chambers.

Courts

  • The Federal Court System

    • Power derives from judicial review (Marbury v. Madison) and perceived legitimacy.

    • Limited by reactive behavior and reliance on enforcement by others.

  • Judicial Decision Models

    • Legal Model: Based on text and precedent.

    • Attitudinal Model: Driven by policy preferences.

    • Strategic Model: Mix of both, considering external actors like Congress.

  • Supreme Court Process

    • Cert pool and "rule of four" determine cases heard.

    • Chief Justice influences case discussions and opinion assignments.

PSC 121 Midterm II Review

  • Key Concepts:

    • Representation (Delegate vs. Trustee).

    • Expressed, Delegated, and Inherent powers of the presidency.

    • Role of media in agenda-setting and misinformation.

    • Judicial restraint vs. activism in courts.

    • Bureaucracy functions: implementation, rulemaking, adjudication.

ANG Bureaucracy

  • What is Bureaucracy?

    • Defined by hierarchical structure, division of labor, and specialization.

    • Enhances efficiency and coordinates large-scale tasks.

  • Bureaucratic Control

    • President uses appointments, executive orders, and budget changes.

    • Congress uses oversight, hearings, and budgetary authority.

  • Bureaucratic Missions

    • Clientele Agencies (e.g., Department of Agriculture).

    • Regulatory Agencies (e.g., FDA).

    • Redistributive Agencies (e.g., IRS, Social Security).

  • Downsizing Bureaucracy

    • Strategies include termination, devolution, and privatization.

The Presidency

  • Presidential Powers

    • Expressed: Veto, treaties, pardons, military commands.

    • Delegated: Congressional authority to execute laws.

    • Inherent: Powers inferred, such as during national emergencies.

  • Bases of Presidential Power

    • High public approval, unified government, and responses to crises.

    • Increasing use of executive powers due to divided government.

  • Challenges to Presidential Power

    • Constraints include checks from Congress, the courts, and public opinion.

    • Concerns about overreach during emergencies and lack of transparency.

Congress

  • Representation Types

    • Delegate: Legislators reflect constituents' desires.

    • Trustee: Legislators act on personal judgment for constituents’ benefit.

  • Challenges in Congress

    • Gridlock from party polarization.

    • Influence of money on legislation and elections.

  • Legislative Process Reality

    • Senate filibuster requires a 60-vote cloture to pass most legislation.

  • Political Polarization

    • Ideological divides have increased since the Civil Rights Movement.

    • Geographic sorting and activist pressures deepen partisanship.